Not Old, Not Young, Not Done: Following Jesus in your 50s and 60s

by Christopher Ash

Faithfully follow Jesus through the unique opportunities and challenges of your stage of life.Our 50s and 60s are two decades with unique opportunities and challenges.

Perhaps you are becoming an empty-nester, considering or entering retirement, caring for elderly parents, or welcoming grandchildren. This stage of life is new and different, but the joyful call of following Jesus is the same.

In Not Old, Not Young, Not Done, you’ll find encouragement to faithfully follow Jesus through the ups and downs of this season. No matter what the specific circumstances you might find yourself in during the “afternoon of life,” author Christopher Ash speaks truth to the heart.

You’ll be invigorated to walk intentionally through this fresh season of fruitfulness. As you thoughtfully consider your circumstances, you’ll be strengthened to do what God calls you to now, and you’ll be preparing your heart and habits for the years to come.

Reflection questions are included and could be used for discussion with close friends or a spouse.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Theology

176 pages

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

Christopher Ash works for the Proclamation Trust in London as director of the Cornhill Training Course. He is also writer in residence at Tyndale House in Cambridge, and is the author of several books, including Out of the Storm: Grappling with God in the Book of Job and Teaching Romans. He is married to Carolyn and they have three sons and one daughter.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I want to be encouraged and challenged in my faith, Christopher Ash is always a good and kind and wise mentor.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a book to start 2026 off!

I chanced upon this book, based on Tim Challies’ recommendation. Took a gamble based on the author, and the title, and it paid off!

God has used this book to speak truth to people who are 20 years younger than him. There is so much truth in what he says. For example, consider a new adventure (rather than retire); invest into a life who is younger, serve the church, deal with bitterness, etc.

Highly recommended for anyone born in the 1970s or earlier! And even if you are borne in the 1980s or later, no harm reading this book in advance. If the Lord tarries or allows you to remain on earth, you can start to imbibe valuable lessons that Ash teaches.

[Doug Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a well-written thoughtful, challenging, and encouraging book for those who are in their 50s or 60s. He calls this period the "afternoon" of life--not sure I would describe it that way--unless it is late afternoon. That quibble aside, there was much to think about and chew over and to apply. It is not, however, a dense or difficult read. Ash has a light, comfortable style. Serious topics by not heavy reading. A good read for you or for someone you love.

[Ben Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical. Simple, clear, concise writing about those in the afternoon of life. Provides stimulating thoughts and questions to discuss with your spouse. Very helpful for myself and my wife. Recommend to read at any age but especially if you find yourself apathetically approaching your 60s.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent in every way. Soundly biblical, intensely practical, full of helpful examples. Whilst acknowledging the incredible variety of circumstances one could find oneself in, the principles are still so effectively applicable to one’s own unique situation.

[Werner Braun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christopher Ash widmet sich in Not Old, Not Young, Not Done einem Thema, das in christlicher Literatur erstaunlich selten ausführlich behandelt wird: Wie kann ein Mensch in seinen 50er- und 60er-Jahren bewusst, fruchtbar und mit Freude Jesus nachfolgen? In zehn Kapiteln, eingerahmt von Einleitung und Epilog, entfaltet der Autor dieses Anliegen in einer gut lesbaren, klar strukturierten und nachvollziehbaren Weise.

Besonders positiv ist, dass Ash nicht sofort bei Aufgaben oder Programmen ansetzt, sondern beim Menschen selbst. Er lädt zu ehrlicher Introspektion ein: Wo stehe ich geistlich? Wie lebe ich? Was prägt mein Verständnis vom Evangelium, vom Älterwerden und von meiner Rolle in Gottes Geschichte? Diese Selbstreflexion bildet das Fundament für alles Weitere.

Von dort aus öffnet der Autor verschiedene Beziehungsrichtungen: nach oben zu den älter werdenden Eltern, die in dieser Lebensphase oft noch präsent sind und nun auf neue Weise Ehre, Liebe und Fürsorge brauchen; nach unten zur jüngeren Generation – zu Kindern, Enkeln und zur Kirche insgesamt. Ash zeigt auf, wie wichtig es ist, gerade jetzt geistliche Verantwortung zu übernehmen, in Jüngerschaft zu investieren und Mentoring zu leben. Ergänzt wird dies durch den Blick auf gleichaltrige Freundschaften sowie auf die Ehe. Die Ermutigung, bewusst um die Ehe zu kämpfen, Freundschaft zu pflegen, das Leben gemeinsam zu gestalten und nicht nebeneinander herzuleben, wirkt realistisch und lebensnah.

Ein wiederkehrender, sehr starker Gedanke des Buches ist die Frage nach Identität. Ash erinnert eindringlich daran, dass Rollen wie Elternteil, Großelternteil, Ehepartner oder Mitarbeiter nicht dauerhaft identitätsstiftend sein können, weil sie sich verändern oder verloren gehen. Was bleibt, ist die eine tragende Wahrheit: der Name ist im Himmel geschrieben. Diese Perspektive zieht sich wohltuend konsequent durch das ganze Buch und verleiht ihm geistliche Tiefe.

Kritisch anzumerken ist, dass das Buch zwar stark bibelorientiert ist, aber theologisch eher an der Oberfläche bleibt. Es werden viele Bibelstellen zitiert, jedoch wenig systematisch oder anthropologisch-theologisch reflektiert, was den Menschen in dieser Lebensphase eigentlich ausmacht und wie Alter, Schwäche und Reifung tiefergehend einzuordnen sind. Hier hätte man sich mehr theologische Durchdringung gewünscht.

Sehr gelungen ist hingegen der Blick auf das Altern selbst: Es wird nicht pauschal negativ bewertet, sondern durch die Linse des Sündenfalls verstanden. Das Schwächerwerden schärft den Blick für die Realität der gefallenen Welt, vertieft die Abscheu gegenüber der Sünde und weckt zugleich eine stärkere Sehnsucht nach dem Eschaton, nach der kommenden neuen Welt.

Fazit:
Ein wichtiges, notwendiges und ermutigendes Buch für Christen in ihren 50ern und 60ern. Verständlich geschrieben, pastoral klug und geistlich tröstlich, auch wenn es theologisch tiefer gehen könnte. Insgesamt eine klare Leseempfehlung für diese Lebensphase.

[Bob O'Bannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I am shocked when the thought enters my mind that I am 61 years old. When you're young, people tell you that life goes by fast, but you don't really believe them. Then you get older and you know it's true. And without the proper attitude and mindset, even a Christian can get pretty depressed and gloomy about moving into the afternoon of life.

That's what this book by Christopher Ash is about. I've read other books by Ash, and have always found them profound without being complex, and always practical while also being theological. This one is no exception. Ash is writing for people who are "not old," in the sense that they are not retired and still relatively active; but people who also are "not young," in the sense that they are in the "afternoon of life" -- realizing that more life is behind them than in front of them, and needing to confront some sober realities about their stage of life.

The little vignettes at the start of each chapter felt a little gimmicky and unnecessary, but I can say that Ash spoke to my own heart on multiple occasions in the chapters that follow. There are things here I needed to hear, like stop thinking so much about getting old, and just "get on and live" (p.34); look for opportunities to pour into the lives of young people (p.109); avoid the tendency to let nostalgia turn you into a grumbler (p.123); get ready for the reality that someone is getting ready to take my place (p.134); and consider all my past choices in light of God's sovereignty -- "At every fork where you made a choice, his unseen hand has been with you." (p.163).

Ash himself was near 70 when he wrote this book, so that's what allowed him to pinpoint so many topics that folks in their 50s and 60s immediately recognize -- bodies that are slowing down; minds that are not as sharp; caring for aging parents; old friendships that were somehow lost; children who don't believe; feeling like a failure. But Ash brings Gospel hope to each of these situations, so that, in the end, growing old doesn't seem so bad. My hope is to be like the person described on p. 22 -- remaining fresh in their walk with God, always learning, and always growing.

[Sandy Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m right in the target market - Christians in their 50s-60s - and it felt like Ash delivered his wisdom with the right mix of clarity and gentleness recovered all the topics in a way that was constantly relevant and challenging, but like a friend with an arm around you, making some suggestions without becoming pushy. And of course, rooted in good biblical theology.

One thing: I’ve noticed younger friends expressing interest in reading this book. I wouldn’t bother until you hit 50, or a few years on. It will be too textbook distant. Perhaps an exception would be a younger pastor wanting to understand and better minister to people in the target age group.

I’d like to give this book to a number of friends - although I’m thankful that so many of them are
living out its lessons in front of me.

[Tim Warke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was aimed at me - and if you are in your 50s or 60s too I would highly recommend it. There is nothing earth-shattering, ground-breaking or particularly new in it, but the author collects together a collection of highly relevant situations that we find ourselves in, in this period of life.

How do we continue to be faithful to Christ? How do we serve in this season of life? How do we adapt in a godly fashion to the changing scenes of this period?

I found this challenging and thought-provoking and will continue to ponder on lessons learned.

[Rhonda Hensarling · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an encouraging book for those of us in the “afternoon” of life! My husband and I read this together and found many wonderful reminders and biblical truth for living to please the Lord in our season of life. How to keep serving the Lord faithfully, encouraging younger believers, caring for aging parents, staying involved in our church, and finding new opportunities in the retirement and empty nest years are all topics covered with many Scripture references to chew on. Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to follow Jesus in their 50’s/60’s. I really love the title!

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an honest, reflective look at midlife, exploring purpose, faith, and perseverance. The author writes with humility and insight, encouraging readers to embrace ongoing growth rather than decline. The book reassures those feeling in-between, offering hope, wisdom, and a renewed perspective on serving God faithfully in life’s later seasons. Well written and well worth a read. Highly recommended…

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pastoral and practical book for considering how to live well for the Lord in our mid life.
I was challenged by chapters on sin and prayer and how we can use this season of life not to become complacent about these areas of our life we might thing we have got nailed if we have been believers for a numbers of years.
Really important chapters on how to care for our elderly parents, serving in the church, grown up children, etc.
Highly recommend this easy but incredibly helpful book.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew that I needed a book like this, one focused on Christians in their 50s and 60s? Christopher Ash creatively composes a book for those of us who are likely entiring the last decades of our working lives. He hits all of the angles and waves that this life brings and helps us navigate through them with a Christian perspective much needed.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical book for those in a certain “vintage” - 50’s, 60’s & beyond - for the later stage(s) in one’s life, in Christ. I appreciated the chapters focused on key relationships (elderly parents, for example), and key areas such as Church. No coasting, no meaningless life, but instead, purposeful living. Definitely not a self-help book, and that’s good.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christopher Ash does a very good job laying out the premise of Not Old, Not Young, Not done. It is an easy read, and not very deep theologically, but some very good points to ponder. The 50’s and 60’s are not to be spent retiring, but a time to recharge and finish the task laid out for the believer.

[Phil Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the most helpful Christian book I've read in years! Its about the unique joys, opportunities, challenges and temptations that come our way in our 50s and 60s - and how to follow Christ faithfully through them. Practical, godly, Gospel-centred and pastorally warm. Highly recommended!

[David King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the right book for me right now. Some of it resonated more than others but it is always good to receive counsel from a man in the next stage of life and Ash fits that for me. Wise, clear, biblical

[Frank Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book with a clear purpose, which was to encourage (and sometimes correct) those in their 50s and 60s who want to follow Jesus well and faithfully. The book accomplished this goal brilliantly.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

reading in view of gifting to some in my life who are 50s and 60s. a quick and (seemingly) very helpful book.

[Keith Warden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for those entering the “afternoon” of life. Incredibly encouraging and instructive as you begin asking the question “What’s next?”

[David Bruyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash helpfully works through topics such as adult children, elderly parents, marriage, church involvement, health, disappointments. A needed entry for an under-treated topic.